CBS News said the 92-year-old journalist is in stable condition and remains under medical care because he suffered serious complications from the operation. The medical reason for the surgery has not been disclosed, and the Rooney family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time, notes the network.

Rooney gave his last 60 Minutes commentary on Oct. 2. He had been with the show since 1968 as a writer and his “A Few Minutes With Andy Rooney” segment had been a fixture on the show since 1978.

At the time of his retirement from the CBS weekly newsmagazine, Rooney had clocked in 1,097 appearances. His rants ranged from his expressing concern because he had no idea who Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga or any of the bands are that are dominating the Billboard charts were to wondering if Bill Gates and Microsoft were making our lives harder.

Rooney told viewers in his final 60 Minutes commentary that his retirement was a moment he wasn't looking forward to. "This is a moment I have dreaded," he said. "I wish I could do this forever."

In an essay titled "My Lucky Life," Rooney told viewers about his time writing for the Army newspaper the Stars and Stripes during World War II. He said he decided to pursue a radio and TV career because he thought the "written word" was being ignored.